Muhammara is a savory Middle Eastern spread made primarily from roasted red peppers and walnuts, typically seasoned with ingredients such as olive oil, pomegranate molasses, garlic, and warm spices. It has a rich, slightly smoky flavor balanced by sweetness, acidity, and mild heat. It’s a hit every time I make it due to its rich, complex flavors.
Easy Muhammara
Makes: about 2 cups
Prep time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 jar (12 oz) roasted red peppers, drained well
- 1 cup walnuts
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ tablespoons pomegranate molasses
- 1 small garlic clove
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, or less to taste
- ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
Instructions
- Toast the walnuts. Put them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Let them cool slightly.
- Blend. Add the roasted peppers, walnuts, breadcrumbs, olive oil, pomegranate molasses, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, pepper flakes, and salt to a food processor.
- Pulse until combined but not completely smooth. Muhammara is particularly good with a little texture. If it’s too thick, add another teaspoon or two of olive oil.
- Taste and adjust. Add a little more lemon for brightness, pomegranate molasses for sweet-tart depth, or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Chill for 30 minutes if you have time. The flavors become noticeably better after they mingle.
Serve at room temperature with warm pita, pita chips, crackers, or raw vegetables. A drizzle of olive oil and a few chopped walnuts on top make it look rather grand for almost no additional effort.
Can’t find pomegranate molasses? That’s the one ingredient that may require a hunt. For a supermarket-friendly substitute, mix 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze + 1 teaspoon lemon juice + ½ teaspoon honey. It isn’t traditional, but it gives you that same sweet-tart role in the recipe.
Nutrition per serving (¼ cup): Approximately 170 calories, 14 g fat, 11 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 4 g sugar, 4 g protein, and 295 mg sodium.
Inspired by: The Mediterranean Dish: Muhammara background and recipe